Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Better

Well, I don't have to tell you that I completely tanked on the writing down of a thousand gifts.

Tanked.

I just quit. It became a chore for me and I quit. I wasn't finding the joy in it that I wanted/needed, so I stopped writing them down. But, as I've said in previous posts. The book and the idea really found a way into my heart and I do feel much more grateful.

Well, most of the time.

I'll admit that I have days where I find myself less-than-grateful and unable to see the blessings right in front of me. Watch out world (Jason, really!) on those days! Give me a few moments of reflection as I sit with John Reynolds at night and I am back*. I need but a moment to remind me how blessed I am. Wonderful husband. Precious son. Incredible family and friends. A home. And the list goes on...Here's the thing: I know I am blessed. I don't have to write it down to know it. But I do need to be more disciplined about the remembering part of it. An encourager by nature, I am prone to discouragement myself. People in my life can be dealing with the same sort of things I am and I can confidently encourage them and tell them all will be well. I might have a little trouble practicing what I preach in that department. Funny how that works. Anyhow, so when I have those quiet moments (rare) or even when I find myself in the midst of the loud ones (much more common), I am trying to consciously count my blessings. You know, take notice of the great stuff all around me. Easier said than done, for sure...but it makes for a sunnier attitude and it cultivates joy. A huge theme/desire/goal in my life. Joy. And to "always be joyful" requires {gulp} discipline. I am trying, I really am. I hope you will, too. It will make us better people. More joyful. Better parents. Better spouses. Better friends. Better.

And isn't that all we want everyday? To be better at whatever we endeavor.

*Yes, we still "rock" him to sleep. Although it is really not rocking, as he has always just liked a few moments of stillness with us before we put him down. And I/we have no regrets. I/we will do it until he won't let us anymore. These are priceless moments and we are savoring them. Don't judge. Besides, he can totally go to bed without it and has. No biggie. :)